Event pg 5 6-16-11
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- Category: Past Issues
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The fifth annual Particle Accelerator festivities June 11. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam warmly welcomed the fifth annual “Particle Accelerator” benefit concert to Rotary Park on a cold and rainy early June Saturday this past weekend. Several hundred people gathered throughout the day to enjoy a diverse assortment of music and support efforts to raise awareness and understanding of depression and mental illness. Regional mental health providers and support networks, including United Services, Inc. and local representatives of the National Alliance on Mental Illness were present to provide support and information throughout the day.
The annual event was started five years ago by the Young Family and their dedicated circle of family and friends following the suicide of their son, Jack Young Jr., an accomplished local musician and artist who took his own life in 2007. The concert – named Particle Accelerator, after one of Jack’s original compositions – serves as an ongoing tribute to his life and a reminder to all that life is worth living.
“This is always an emotional but enjoyable day, and we’re so pleased to see kids and adults alike learn more about alternatives to suicide and depression,” said Grace Young, Jack Young Jr.’s mother and founder of Particle Accelerator. “More importantly, they learn that they are not alone – that there’s help and that there are people who care.”
The free concert, featuring music from Folk to Jazz to Rock, was made possible thanks to the support and sponsorships of the Town of Putnam, United Natural Foods, Quality Resourcing Services, United Lens Company, Inc., Chase Graphics, Savage Systems, Gagnon Signs, The Venue Newspaper, and dozens of other local companies and individuals.
“Depression and mental illness are difficult issues for most people to talk about,” said John Goodman, director of Development and Communications for United Services.
“Yet music helps bring everyone together, and reminds us all that there are so many wonderful things in this world worth living for. We’ll never know how many lives we touch through this annual concert, but it serves as an important reminder to all, young and old, that there’s help and there’s hope for anyone struggling with mental illness or depression.”
More than $4,000 was raised to help offset free mental health services provided by United Services each year.
In 2010 United Services provided more than $2 million in uncompensated behavioral health care to Windham County.
Since 2007, United Services has seen its volume of Outpatient Mental Health care nearly double, rising by 92 percent.
More important than the funds raised however, is the benefit the concert provides in terms of outreach and awareness to help combat the stigma of mental illness that prevents many from seeking available assistance. Nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year olds and the third leading cause of death among 15to 24-year olds.
“On behalf of United Services and the thousands of individuals, children and families we serve each year, words cannot describe the gratitude we feel towards the Young family, the bands, the sponsors and all those who spent countless hours behind the scenes to make this day such an enjoyable and important event,” added Goodman.
2011 Particle Accelerator supporters include: The Young Family • The Putnam Police & Recreation Department • United Lens Company • Quality Resourcing Services • United Natural Foods
Also, The Byrnes Agency • Laframboise Well Drilling • Daniel R Santos CPA • The Granite Group • Cliffs Plumbing & Heating • Quality Plumbing and Heating • Taylor Brooke Winery • Ideal Plastics • Putnam PRIDE • Gilman and Valade Funeral Home • Citizens National Bank • Matthews Catering Company
Also, Quiet Corner Consulting • Kelly’s Tire • The Thompson Speedway • Rustigian Rugs • 85 Main • Roscoe’s Auto Detailing • Mikes Stand • Gold Eagle Restaurant • Nikkis Doghouse • Courthouse Bar and Grill • Someplace Special • Bradley Playhouse • Bellas • Wonderland Comics • The Venue Newspaper
Also, Willimantic Restaurant and Brewery • Golden Greek in Webster • The Lake Tavern • Mozzarellas • The Village Restaurant • The Strand Hair Salon • Harrisville Golf Course • Godley Spirits • Jessica Tuesdays • Zoe’s Pizza • Brooklyn Country Club • Putnam Lions Club • Sunny Skies Ice Cream • Woodstock Golf Course • Vinyard Valley Golf Course • JD Coopers
Also, Muscle Max Gym • The Inn at Woodstock Hill • Penny’s Courner Café • Pepsi Company • Windy Acres • Teresa Ducharme • Sandra Vasquez • Russ Mineau • Ray Turski • Jim Stratos • “Uncle” Al Berger •Joan Pascone • Marriot Hotel Dayville • Putnam S.A.D.D.